The writings of George Washington; being his correspondence, addresses, messages, and other papers, official and private, selected and published from the original manuscripts; with a life of the author, notes and illustrations. By Jared Sparks.

PDARTII.] THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 337
more induced to this opinion from Governor Livingsston's account of the disagreeable operation it has had,
and is likely to produce, if not contradicted. If it is,
and with a few strictures, I should hope that it will
excite in the breasts of all our countrymen a just and
generous contempt of the enemy for such a dirty,
wicked proceeding.
I was last night honored with your favor of the 18th
instant, with the proceedings alluded to. A general
plan of operations for the campaign is indispensably
essential to be settled. I have thought much upon
the subject; and some propositions respecting it were
put into the hands of all the general officers here on
Tuesday evening for their consideration. I also intended to send a messenger this day to meet General
Gates, supposing him to be on his way to Hudson's
River, and to request his call at this camp, that we
might enter into a full and free discussion of the point.
There is not a moment to be delayed in forming some
general system, in my opinion; and I only wait the
arrival of Generals Gates and Mifflin to summon a
council for the purpose. I have the honor to be, &c.
P. S. It is confidently reported, and I have little
doubt of the truth of it, that Sir William Howe is recalled, and that General Clinton is to succeed him in
the command.* I have also the pleasure to transmit
a list of sundry officers exchanged on the 21st instant.' Lord George Germain's letter to General Howe, signifying his
Majesty's acquiescence in his request to be relieved from the command,
was dated February 4th. He was directed at the same time to deliver
up his orders and instructions to Sir Henry Clinton as his successor.
The letter was received by Sir William Howe on the 9th of April.
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